ICE Raids Coming to NJ Pro-Palestine Streets?
There are many repressive wheels in motion barreling down on pro-Palestine advocates in NJ and throughout the US and much of the world. Here in NJ there are repressive laws in both legislative chambers that would mete out consequences for failing to repress pro-Palestine advocacy, there are college administrations and pro-Israel campus lobbyists pressuring students to end opposition to genocide, local school boards being pressured by pro-Israel constituency to harass staff or students who are not adequately loyal to Israel, and the constant smear of anyone whose voice is raised against genocide of being “antisemitic” or “pro-Hamas” as a thinly veiled call for repression of our voices.
CAIR has announced opposition to announced plans to escalate attacks at Mosques and other religiously designated sites, community schools, businesses and at protest events under guise of immigration law enforcement.
One additional worry we might have is ICE and Homeland Security showing up at our events in support of pro-Palestinian advocacy.
This editor has been to pro-Palestine protests where Homeland Security is present – they appear to be scanning the participants – probably sending video of faces to see if any facial recognition shows up anyone on any watch list. That could be the likely m.o. – now looking for immigrants that might have been identified as non documented in ICE files and if they get a hit – they can snatch and grab. They likely have the ability to identify everyone there with face showing – and those who are un identified will be suspected – including with face covering. Such action by ICE with police support could likely cause a defensive response from community marshalls at the events and an escalating clash leading to arrests, injuries and possibly worse for pro-Palestine advocates.
Lily Benavides, a veteran of NJ’s immigrant rights struggle and Green Party / Free Speech candidate for Assemby in 2025 in LD-26 has this ominous warning:
“As an organizer and having worked with different organizations in the past and also as someone who has taken many trainings, we have always recommend undocumented people not to go to marches or rallies because of the risk of being caught by ICE. That does not mean “no immigrants allowed at protests”, just that those that have vulnerabilities are fully conscious of the potential for life mayhem with the potential of ICE snatch and grab activity going forward at protests. Now is even worse with all the technology they have.”
Editor’s Note: One of many repressive measures coming down upon us. We need to be alert and connect with Immigrant Watch efforts to monitor activity targeting pro-Palestine advocates and recognize the need for convergence and unity across multiple fronts of our struggle. We need to figure out the best way to keep our children, families, communities and collaborative partners safe.
